I have a 200 amp service panel fed by a power company. From this power pole (the meter), the power runs 700 feet to my house. First the power goes through a disconnect box with a manual large lever (it has three settings: Power company, off, and generator). And then the power goes into my house panel. From what I can tell I have three large wires coming from the meter: 120, 120, and a neutral. The meter panel is grounded as well has the house panel.

So the other day my power went out. I flipped the disconnect switch from PG&E to generator. I ran the generator for 11 hours (countless times before) and then the generated picked up in sound and all my light in the house fried. Just then, my neighbor called and said, “Turn off your generator the power is back on”. An hour later, I found out that eight light bulbs, two breakers, two dimmer switches, my digital stove, and both garage door openers fried.

My electrician came out and said that PG&E must of feed power into the neutral which goes around my disconnect and was too much for my panel and fried my components. He said just call PGE and file a claim. Well I don't want this to happen again. Is there a way I can completely disconnect from PG&E so I don't have to worry about this again. Can I add a small switch (knife switch or something) inside of my large disconnect box on the neutral. Is it safe and legal?

I appreciate any help, thanks Jack

Did you run this by your electrician?

He should tell you no to your plan.

You may change out your transfer switch to one that will switch and open the neutral.
Along with that expesne, grounding will need to be changed also.

OK... I'm curious... how can the electric company feed power into the neutral? It's grounded... it simply can't happen. It would be a dead short. Anyone see how this would be possible?